"Master stayed by her side all night, and I kept watch outside."
At this point, Jade Flute lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously clasping together.
"She woke up the next morning."
The Queen asked softly, "Was she better?"
Jade Flute fell silent for a moment before shaking his head with a bitter smile.
"The illness was gone. But she wasn't better."
"When I went in later, Pipa was already sitting up. She said nothing, just sat on the bed, stroking her belly over and over. Master stood beside her without saying a word either."
"After a long time, she finally looked up and asked Master."
"Where's the baby?"
The Main Hall fell silent at once.
Jade Flute paused.
"Master didn't answer."
"So Pipa turned to me and asked, 'Senior Brother, where's my baby?'"
Jade Flute closed his eyes briefly.
"I didn't lie to her again."
"I really thought that since the sinister yin energy in her body had dissipated and her illness was cured, she would gradually come to her senses."
"So I told her, 'You became like that because sinister yin energy entered your body, not because you were pregnant. Master has cured your illness. You're all right now.'"
"After hearing that, Pipa didn't cry or make a scene."
"She just sat there with her head bowed and stroked her belly again."
"Then she suddenly asked something."
"What was in that cup of water last night?"
Jade Flute's hands slowly clenched.
"Only then did Master speak."
"He said the water contained his pure yang power, meant to drive the sinister yin energy out of her body."
"After hearing that, Pipa suddenly smiled."
Bajie's brow furrowed at once.
Jade Flute said quietly, "She said, 'So it was you.'"
"I hadn't understood yet. I just stood beside her and told her,